California Supreme Court hears gay marriage case

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — California's highest court heard arguments Tuesday from supporters and opponents of gay marriage in a case which could decide the legality of such unions in the largest US state.

The California Supreme Court in San Francisco was addressing the constitutionality of the short but controversial Proposition 22 amendment to the civil code which states that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

The state already allows for civil unions between same-sex couples. Supporters of gay marriage stress that Proposition 22, adopted in a 2000 referendum, violates citizens' constitutional rights.

Denying same-sex couples marriage rights would paint California as "indifferent" to how gays are treated both inside...